Can I Do Lasers in the Summer

Can I Do Lasers in the Summer?

Of course! While there are some restrictions, primarily on laser treatments that concern pigment (rosacea, sunspots,vascular legions, etc.), numerous laser treatments may be performed in the summer months. These include skin tightening, hair removal (in areas not exposed to the sun), and Fraxel treatments for wrinkles. However, certain precautions exist for tanned skin, and sunblock should always be applied afterward to protect skin.

“My husband kept asking me all night why I looked so good - where did your wrinkles go he wanted to know!! Book me for one of these as often as possible.”

— Devon, received laser facial treatment

Q: Which laser treatments can be performed during the summer?

A:

Fractional long wave length lasers, or fractionated lasers, can be performed in summer. They address photo aging, such as wrinkles and loss of dermis. However, sun protection must be applied before and after the treatment. Though most IPL treatments should be avoided in the summer, IPL hair removal in body areas that don’t tan, such as the groin, axillary region (armpit), or areola, are acceptable.

Q: Is there any type of laser treatment I should avoid during the summer?

A:

In general, laser treatments should not be performed on tanned skin, but the only type that must be avoided in summer are short wave length lasers, or IPL, which address such color issues as pigmentation, rosacea, and vascular lesions. If you spend a great deal of time outdoors, save IPL treatments for less sun-intense months.

Q: What is the difference between a "long wave" and a "short wave" laser?

A:

IPL lasers are visible light lasers (400-700 nm), meaning they use short wave lengths. Clear+Brilliant and Palomar (1540) lasers are above the visible light spectrum (1400-1900 nm), which makes them long wave lasers.

Q: What is a pigment laser and why shouldn't it be used in the summer?

A:

A pigment laser targets melanin, the pigment that causes brown spots, or hyperpigmentation. This treatment should be avoided in the summer because even minimal exposure to UV rays can reignite melanin production.

Q: Can tightening laser treatments be performed in the summer?

A:

Yes, because they use a different technology than the pigment laser. At dangene, The Institute for Skinovation, we use both the Clear+Brilliant (1440) and fractional (1540) systems. By safely stimulating regrowth (collagenesis) in the deep layers of the skin, they promote younger-looking skin. Of course, sun protection should be applied after the procedure.

Q: Can I have laser hair removal treatments done during the summer?

A:

Yes, but laser hair removal should not be done on tanned skin. As the laser must locate and target the dark hair follicle, this is more easily accomplished on skin that is not tanned. Moreover, laser hair removal may be ineffective on tanned skin and it can burn and de-pigment large areas of your body. Stay out of the sun for 72 hours before your treatment. This will reduce the risk of burning, scarring, and other serious skin damage.